ALFRED GATTY.

Ecclesfield, July 11. 1850.

Execution of Charles I. (Vol. ii., p 72.).—­In Ellis’s Letters illustrative of English History Second Series, vol. iii. p. 340-41., P.S.W.E. will find the answer to his inquiry.  Absolute certainty is perhaps unattainable on the subject; but no mention occurs of the Earl of Stair, nor is it probable that any one of patrician rank would be retained as the operator on such an occasion.  We need hardly question that Richard Brandon was the executioner.  Will P.S.W.E. give his authority for the “report” to which he refers?

MATFELONENSIS.

Simon of Ghent (Vol. ii., p. 56.).—­“Simon Gandavensis, patria Londinensis, sed patre Flandro Gandavensi natus, a. 1297.  Episcopus Sarisburiensis.”—­Fabric. Bibl.  Med. et Infint.  Latin., lib. xviii. p. 532.

Chevalier de Cailly (Vol. ii., p. 101.)—­Mr. De St. Croix will find an account of the Chevalier Jacque de Cailly, who died in 1673, in the Biographie Universelle; or a more complete one in Goujet (Bibliotheque Francoise, t. xvii. p. 320.).

S.W.S.

Collar of Esses (Vol. ii., pp. 89. 110.).—­The question of B. has been already partly answered in an obliging manner by [Greek:  ph]., who has referred to my papers on the Collar of Esses and other Collars of Livery, published a few years ago in the Gentleman’s Magazine.  Permit me to add that I have such large additional collections on the same subject that the whole will be sufficient to form a small volume, and I intend to arrange them in that shape.  As a direct answer to B.’s question—­“Is there any list extant of persons who were honoured with that badge?” I may reply, No.  Persons were not, in fact, “honoured with the badge,” in the sense that persons are now decorated with stars, crosses, or medals; but the livery collar was assumed by parties holding a certain position.  So far as can be ascertained, these were either knights attached to the royal household or service, who wore gold or gilt collars, or esquires in the like position, who wore silver collars.  I have made collections for a list of such pictures, effigies, and sepulchral brasses as exhibit livery collars, and shall be thankful for further communications.  To [Greek:  ph].’s question—­“Who are the persons now privileged to wear these collars?” I believe the reply must be confined to—­the judges, the Lord Mayor of London, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the kings, and heralds of arms.  If any other officers of the royal household still wear the collar of Esses, I shall be glad to be informed.

JOHN GOUGH NICHOLS.